Thursday, December 21, 2017

The man in starched uniform, possibly an Assistant Jailer or someone
below him, bellowed at the man opposite him in a gruff voice, “Your fourteen-year
term is over, Namdhari. Collect your things and leave the place. Try to walk
the straight path. Do remember you are not welcome here. “

There was a slight movement in the facial muscle of Namdhari. In his
early fifties, strong built, with a week’s stubble, unkempt hair and shifty
eyes, he simply nodded his head that signified nothing. As he trudged out of
the prison gate with a small bag in his hand, he collected the saliva in his
mouth with much noise and turned round towards the gate to spit it in contempt.

He stood for a few minutes and
surveyed the scene. There was none waiting for him. He lit a beedi and walked
towards the railway station, with a steady step that showed no sign of remorse
or indecision about his destination. At the station entrance he had a shave and
haircut from a wayside barber, had a bath from the nearby well and wore a faded
jeans and a red and black striped T shirt. None of these could hide the deep
scar running from head to his left ear or minimize his wicked look. Keeping the
small change, he discarded the rest of the things in the bag. He breathed long
and relished the freedom in the air.

The scene at the early morning at the village that he left about 15
years back was familiar. It was smoggy and dark even as sun had risen. He
crossed across to the tea shop and ordered channa
bhature and tea. There were a few villagers sipping tea and talking to each
other. They stopped conversing when he entered. He thought none recognized him
or spoke to him. There was an embarrassing silence. He quickly ate and left the
place. He heard to his chagrin the resumption of the loud conversation amidst
the laughter.

As he walked to Late Nathuram’s house, the events that happened when he
was here fifteen years back unfolded before him like a film. He was a vagabond
with no job then and lived by his wit cheating, thieving and deceiving people.
He chanced to come to Nathuram’s house one day fully drunk seeking a job to
work in the fields and tend his cattle. Nathuram, a kind man, was seated on a
cot with his young son of about eight years. Though he had heard about his
shady character, he was willing to employ him hoping the steady job would
transform him to be a responsible member of the village.

It was then Nathuram’s wife Savitri came out of the house holding a
tray containing tea and cookies. She was petite and extremely
good looking with smiling eyes. When she saw a stranger she pulled up her sari
to cover her head and her face partially. Namdhari stared at her without taking
his eyes off her even as Nathuram told his wife, “This man seeks a job in our farm.
He has no family and would live in the shed at the rear. I am thinking of
asking him to work.”

Savitri hated him at the first sight at the way he stared at her and for
the lust in his eyes as he ran his eyes over her body. She knew surely he meant
trouble. “We do not need any fresh hand. I have already promised our maid Putli
that her husband can work from next week,” said Savitri in a decisive tone.

Nathuram turned towards Namdhari and said,” Sorry, I was not aware of
her promise to our maid. When something comes up, I will send for you. Have the
tea.”

Namdhari yelled, “Aren’t you a man? After promising me, how can you
listen to a woman, you henpecked fellow? She will pay for it very dearly.”

“Your disrespectful talk confirms the apprehension I had initially of
you and which I was ready to ignore. I have no more use for you. Get out of my
place before I get you thrown out,” shouted angrily Nathuram.

Seeing Savitri contemptuously laughing at him, Namdhari in a fit of
rage pulled out a revolver and shot two rounds at Nathuram with one hitting his
stomach.

Nathuram in utter disbelief in his eyes fell on the ground clutching his
belly even as blood quickly covered his body. Savitri shocked at the turn of
events rushed to his side. As he was squirming in excruciating pain, Namdhari
grabbed Savitri’s hand and started pulling her towards the house shouting, “You
will soon regret for laughing at me, you slut. I never expected to have you so
soon in my grasp.”

As she was resisting and trying to bite his hand, a stone thrown from
somewhere hit his head loosening his grip as he faltered. Savitri freed herself
and ran towards the nearby well and jumped into it. Meanwhile hearing the
commotion, a few farm hands rushed and overpowered Namdhari. The little boy who
ran towards the well from his hiding place shouted at the farmhands to save his
mother from the well.

By the time Nathuram was taken to the nearest hospital, he had lost
much blood and breathed his last making it a murder case.

Woken up from his reverie as he neared Nathuram’s house after so many years,
Namdhari was wondering whether Savitri who would be in her forties be alone in
the house. Quickening his pace in anticipation, he found the courtyard in the
front empty. Emboldened by his luck in finding no one, he climbed the footsteps
leading to the patio till he found a young man in his twenties come out.

“Who ae you and what do you want?”

“You may not remember me. Are you Nathuram’s son? Your mom would know
me,” said Namdhari

“Yes, I am Nathuram’s son. I have no idea who you are. You have not
answered my question as to what brought you here.”

“I came to meet your mother to find out whether she has any work for me
here,” Namdhari replied with a leering smile.

“You can meet her. Please come in,” he said and took him to small room
that was barely furnished and made him seated on a bench. ”My mother would soon
meet you,” he added as he left the room.

Namdhari was rejoicing at the prospect of meeting Savitri and decided
to be tactful before gaining her confidence. As he was lost in thoughts about
her petite figure, he failed to notice a farm hand leaving a gunny bag under
the bench till he closed the door behind. He looked around to call the young
man and found no windows. As he knocked the door hard, he felt something cold
at his feet. When he looked down he found to his horror two darkish full grown
cobras with raised hoods staring at him to make a move. In a reflex action he
pulled his legs up only to be bitten by both the cobras. His screams for
opening the door was met with deafening silence. Soon he fell down frothing at
the mouth and the colour of his skin turned blue.

The door opened after a while with a farm hand entering the room. He deftly
caught the cobras and put them back in the gunny bag before leaving quietly.

The young man entered and said ”However old you become, the deep scar
on your head and the jaw betray your identity. I had also information from
someone at the teashop, that you are back from prison. We hurriedly made some
preparations to meet you in a fitting style. You wanted to meet my mother. She said
she was not interested in meeting you. I hope my father’s soul would be at
peace today wherever it is.”

Namdhari was breathing hard with difficulty and realized his life was ebbing out when he heard the same contemptuous
laugh he had heard years back from outside the room.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Born with a silver spoon in the mouth and blessed with a good natured
wife and intelligent children, John Sebastian had nothing much to wish for. The
only troubling thing was his embarrassingly protruding large tummy that
hindered his easy mobility and evoked the amused smiles of passersby.
Determined to get rid of the unwanted burden, he changed his dietary habits to
Spartan food and to a strict regimen of long walk daily both in the mornings
and evenings. The slightly dark, large and well maintained municipal park with
clean pathways with flower plants and crotons on both sides in the sylvan
surroundings was his daily haunt for his constitutional.

It was Christmas Eve and he was busy with his family and was consequently
slightly late for his walk on this dark evening in the pathway of the large
municipal park. Except for a very few old people spending their time on the
benches close to exit gate, the park was desolate. The lighting was also not
adequate with lamp posts far from each other. Being timid by nature, he was
uneasy about walking alone in the dark areas, but was determined not to skip
the forty five minutes’ walk prescribed by his doctor to keep his weak heart in
good condition. Desirous of getting out of this dark and desolate patch
quickly, he increased the pace.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a man emerged from the bushes. He was a big built
man but his eyes were sunk and cheeks hollow betraying his indigent condition.
He simply stood opposite John Sebastian in the pathway with his threatening
physique but pleading eyes without uttering a single word. Sebastian said in annoyed tone “What is your
problem? Why are you standing in my way preventing me to proceed further?”

The man replied in a tremulous
voice “I need some money immediately. Give me the money you have. I think you
can afford it”.

Sebastian was afraid to argue
with him considering there were none around to help. He normally carried a
small amount with him for any emergency. He took his purse and gave it to him
meekly. The man opened the purse and counted six hundred rupee notes. He kept
one hundred rupee note with him and returned the purse with the balance.

“This is adequate for my needs. I am sorry for taking this money like
this and this is the first time I am doing this. I am badly in need and did not
know any other way. Please excuse me,” he said as he hastily moved away.

Sebastian was intrigued at this
strange behaviour of the man. He was sure that the man was not a habitual
offender and remembered how his hands trembled when he took the purse and
counted the money. His curiosity thus aroused he followed the man at a safe
distance. After passing through a few lanes he reached a hut. John Sebastian
hid himself outside the hut the man had entered.

He heard the man crying and telling loudly to his wife, “I have become today
a despicable robber taking away money from some stranger without earning it and
my whole body is cringing in shame and guilt. God would never forgive me for
this sin and my hands would surely be dipped in boiling oil in the hell.”

His wife consoled him saying “What other alternative did you have to
save the starving children from death. They have not taken a morsel since two
days and are weeping continuously in pain. No one around here is willing to help.
Neither of us got any work even after much search. I am also not comfortable
with this way. I will not ask you to do it again, I swear upon God. Please
excuse me. When we get better off, we will put hundred rupees in the hundi at the temple”

Sebastian heard the man
repeatedly beating his head with his hands and sobbing in remorse. Unable to
bear this and to pacify him Sebastian entered the dimly lit hut. On seeing him,
the man was startled and started crying loudly saying” Oh God, police have come
to take me.”

Sebastian patted him on his
shoulder and asked him to calm down telling him “Do not be afraid. There is no
policeman,” and in placating tone told the man who was shying away from him, “There
is nothing to fear. No harm will come to you. When you took only one hundred
rupee note from the purse and returned the balance, I realized you are no criminal
and that circumstances must have forced you to take this crazy step. My
impression is vindicated by the feeling of guilt shown by you and the
conversation with your wife that I overheard. I have forgiven you already. I
have now seen your pitiable condition. You can work, if you are willing, as a
gardener in my house from tomorrow. Follow me to see my house.”

He thrust the balance money in the hands of the incredulous and sobbing
man standing before him with folded hands and said, “Buy some food for all of
you and join for work tomorrow.

The man and his wife fell at the feet of Sebastian clasping his legs.
The bewildered children too followed suit by falling on the ground before him.
The man mumbled “Saheb, you have saved us from falling into a life of
wickedness and misery. You are our saviour and we are beholden to you for life.”

Let no one ever come to you
without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness:
kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile.”
Mother Teresa

Saturday, December 9, 2017

It was a small tiled house that had not seen a colour wash for years on the outskirts of a small town. Nandu lay on the charpoy gazing vacantly at the ceiling in the dimly lit room He had become silent and morose, ever since he heard from the small health centre that did the duty of a government hospital, that his only daughter needed an immediate surgery to relieve her from the acute pain. The local health centre in a ramshackle building had no facilities for surgeries and the private hospital in the adjacent town was the only one in the vicinity that was equipped to do surgeries. He had no money to pay the amount they demanded. His efforts to borrow from some known people did not fructify as they knew he had no regular income to return the money.

“What is the point in idly staring at the roof when Neelu is crying in pain? You must accept the offer on hand readily without the morals of your action coming in the way. Do you want the girl to die for your false principles? It is not something that is new to your family. Your father did it many times and so did your grandfather. It is your hereditary calling. Get up and tell the authorities your willingness to do the job and they can arrange a date,” pleaded his wife Meenu.

“You don’t understand Meenu. It is not false principles as I have myself done this earlier and our family has been the traditional hangman. That is why they are persuading me to take up the assignment and luring me telling that the fee for the services is presently high. But what bothers me is something different that you are not aware of,” replied Nandu.

“Tell me what bothers you more than the suffering of our only child? Have you become immune to suffering of people by having hung criminals in the past?” asked Meenu.

“No, not at all. I have no qualms in doing my hereditary profession. But, in this case hanging the young man who has been convicted wrongly would tantamount to murder,” said Nandu

“Why, was he not sentenced to death by a judge after considering all facts presented to him? Since when you have become a bigger judge to question the judgement? Your job is to do a professional job when the jail authorities ask you. You are not a supari killer. Do not let your mind trouble you by some ethical notions. If there is a miscarriage of justice, the judge will be answerable to god. I urge you to go today itself and convey your willingness. With that money we can get our daughter treated quickly,” implored his sobbing wife.

“I am surprised that you feign ignorance when the entire world knows that this young man hardly 21 has been framed and made a scape goat for the brutal murder committed at the instance of a neta. The only fault of the boy was he stumbled on the body lying hidden in the bushes when he went to answer the call of nature early in the morning. He was foolish enough to touch the body to see if it was alive and handle the blood stained machete that was lying by its side leaving his finger prints all over,” explained Nandu.

“oh, my god, what happened there after?” asked Meenu.

“The idiot messed up further by wiping his blood stained fingers on his dhoti. When this illiterate fool went to police, they took note of his blood stained dhoti. The finger prints on the machete nailed him further. All his protestations about his innocence were of little avail and the poor fellow was taken into custody,” commiserated Nandu.

After drinking a glass of water, he continued “The wily neta seized the god-send opportunity and in connivance with the police managed to get him charged with committing murder for personal reasons.”

“When the case came up before the judge, he could not explain satisfactorily why he went far inside the bushes when it was still dark exactly to the place where the body lay to relieve himself and why he took the murder weapon on his hand and wiped the blood on his dhoti. The circumstantial evidence was heavily against him as in the previous week only, he was seen quarreling with the dead man opposite a tea shop for stalking his sister and misbehaving with her.

The dead man was a rowdy and a side kick of neta and knew many of neta’s secrets and his benamis. The revenue authorities were after the neta who was apprehensive that his house could be raided any time. He did not want any trail to lead to his benamis and feared that the sidekick who knew too much could be a potential threat to him. He had him liquidated through his hatchet men.”

“Everyone knew but could do little being afraid of wicked Neta. I could not also do anything to help him but I am very clear that I will not do the hanging of an innocent man. He has an aged mother and two younger sisters. I cannot take up this assignment even if they offer me a lakh of rupees,” said Nandu with a finality.

“If the whole world knew as you say, was the judge not aware of the wrong accusation?”

“What can the judge do? He goes by the evidence presented. There was no lawyer for the young man and a government lawyer was provided and he did not evince much interest for whatever reasons,” said Nandu with a sigh and added “Do not worry. I will find some way to get Neelu operated soon. The doctor had said the surgery can even wait for couple of months and she can have pain killers.” Pacified, she did not argue further.

Five weeks later one evening Nandu asked his wife to get ready for daughter’s surgery. Surprised, she asked “Where did u get the money so soon when everybody you know had refused? “

“Don’t you bother about that. That is neither important or urgent. Get ready and tomorrow morning we will go. Have some clothes for all of us,” he said. Meenu did not pursue the matter and was happy that her daughter would soon be normal.

A fortnight later post surgery on one evening as Meenu was leisurely plaiting her daughter Neelu’s hair on the pial outside her house, a car screeched to halt opposite their house. Who would be coming to our house in a car, wondered both mother and daughter, when a tall dhoti clad rich man and his well-dressed wife got down and approached them. The driver followed them with a big basket on his hands. Nandu had gone out on an errand.

The bewildered two rose when the man with folded palms asked “Is this Nanduram’s house? Am I speaking to his wife and daughter?”

“Yes Saheb, he has gone out and would be back by night,” Meenu said.

“Can we both come in? We have come to thank him for the great help he had rendered to save our daughter from the jaws of death. This is a secret that should not be told to others. He had very kindly donated his kidney though in a hush hush manner for obvious reasons,” said the man.

Confused and shocked as Meenu was, she remarked,” It could be someone else as my husband had not mentioned about any donation to me.”

“No, it is only your husband. He confided in me that the money was urgently needed for daughter’s surgery. Did your daughter undergo any surgery recently?” asked the man.

When she nodded in agreement, he added “He did not bargain and wanted money for meeting the expenses for surgery. I did not give much thought to it then. When I see my daughter fully cured and resumed her studies, I realized that Nanduram has not given not only his kidney but given my daughter a fresh lease of her life. From what I learn from you, the selfless man has given his daughter also a new life. I was suffering from a sense of guilt that I had not compensated him adequately for his great sacrifice. I have brought some money that would do justice for the sacrifice he has done.

Meenu’s heart, while sorry for her husband losing a kidney, suffused with pride at the thought that her husband had ethically declined to hang a man whom he knew for certain was innocent even when no one would have accused him of any wrong in doing his professional duty and more so when the money was badly needed for saving his daughter.”

“I am sorry for my incivility in making you stand outside. Please come in,” she said as she hurried to the kitchen to get buttermilk for them.

Friday, May 5, 2017

“Any problem? You are
sweating profusely and holding your hand on your chest,” I asked the
well-dressed man over fifty as he leaned on me in great discomfort. I was
travelling to Chennai. The train halted at Bengaluru Cantonment station for a
few minutes. I had to repeat the question before he replied in feeble voice,
“Yes I am not really well. I have a history of heart problem and I think it is
an attack. Can you kindly help me in reaching a hospital? The pain is
unbearable and I am feeling breathless.”

“Do you have any one at
Bengaluru? Can you give me the contact number?”

“None. I came this
morning on some business and….,” trailed of as he closed his eyes.

Without wasting a
moment, I decided in a split second to help him out unmindful of the interview
I had the next day. I knew that timely medical attention was essential in heart
attacks. With the help of co-passengers, I lifted him bodily to the platform
and had his luggage and mine brought down. The train left soon immediately.
With the help of the station-staff I was able to take him in a taxi to the
nearest good hospital. Once in the emergency, the doctors took over inserting
on him various tubes and administering medicines. In a short while they rushed
him to ICCU.

I was lost in my
thoughts as I reclined on a sofa outside the ICCU. It was past 11.30 PM. The
interview didn’t matter much as I was in a senior position already. I waited
for him to get stable to collect his contact-address for informing his
relatives.

“Are you his son? He is
stable as of now but would wait for a day to watch his progress. Please fill in
the forms for admission and pay the advance” said a charming young doctor from
the ICCU.

I replied “No, I
am just a co-passenger in the train. When he fell sick and I saw his condition
was serious, I decided to discontinue my journey and rushed him here. I am
relieved that he is stable and in safe hands”

“My god, how
compassionate and kind you have been to a total stranger! Had you not brought
him promptly as you did, he would have surely died. You know, about thirty
percent of patients die before they reach a hospital or get medical attention.
Lucky he had you as a co-passenger and his chances of survival appear good”,
she said.

I requested her to find
out from the contents of his pocket, the contact-numbers of his home and
assured her that in the meanwhile I would fill the forms and make advance
payment after talking to his people.

She smiled at me and
said “I am simply touched by your extreme kindness and compassion not
ordinarily seen. I will be here very soon with the details. I am actually a
little free till the next emergency case arrives.”

My thoughts went back
several years to my dad. We were then in Kolkata. He was travelling one night
to Bhilai on official business. He suffered a heart attack midway in the train
in the middle of the night. His co-passengers were sympathetic but made no
efforts to attempt a CPR or to contact the guard to keep a doctor in readiness
at the next station. The train moved on even as my dad was struggling with
angina and breathlessness. By the time the train reached the next station that
was at quite a distance, he had breathed his last. It was in the morning as I
was leaving for my school that my mom got the telephone call breaking the
shocking news. Everyone felt that had he been given prompt medical assistance;
he would have lived. But he was unlucky to be in a train in a desolate stretch
with none capable of rendering a CPR.This was etched in my mind.

I was woken up from my
reverie by the doctor as she said “Dozed off? Here are the contact details. He
is stable and you can see him. One thing I wish to say. I have never come
across such a nice person like you in my life. Tell me, what made you break
your journey for an unknown person and save his life? Do you live in
Bengaluru?”

“I will talk to you
after meeting the patient. Please wait for me” I replied before I went to meet
him in ICU. He looked much better, though wan. He smiled at me and profusely
offered thanks for saving his life like a son would for his dad. He asked for
my details to be given to the doctor and that his son would get in touch with
me. As he went on talking about his debt of gratitude, I motioned him to
silence and said that I would meet him the next day.

When I saw the doctor
waiting for me, I introduced myself as Krishnan and gave all details about me
and my mobile number.

“I am Radha. You haven’t
told me what made you break the journey for a stranger. This is something
unusual and admirable “she said

I then related the
incident about my dad and his tragic end in the train without medical aid. I
told her, “I realized when I saw the old man in distress how much he needed
someone to help him. I decided in a split-second that no matter the broken
journey or the missed interview, it was a call that I can hardly ignore. I am
happy that I could help him survive the crisis.”

“Here is my number. You
can call me anytime for updates. I would be happy to be of help to such a good
Samaritan,” she said with a bewitching smile extending her hand.

I clasped her hand
with both hands and said with a mischievous grin” Be forewarned. You will get
innumerable calls for updates this night and hope to continue thereafter.”

It may be of interest for readers to know that the old man recovered completely and as a token of
gratitude sent me a handsome reward the details of which would remain undisclosed
at his specific request. But what was the most heartening outcome from this
broken journey was what started as calls for getting updates took a romantic
turn that culminated in my finding my life partner in the attractive doctor.

Friday, April 21, 2017

It was around 8am Ananthan was talking on the landline phone in the
drawing hall. He seemed deferential in tone and all attentive. The caller must
have been his senior boss on urgent matter.

His six-year-old son came running to the hall and tugged his shirt
calling “Papa, come with me”. He looked at his child angrily and signaled with
his hands to remain quiet,

The little boy did not stir but pulled him more vigorously and said
sobbing “Papa, come quickly. You can talk on phone later.”

Balancing the receiver on the ear and simultaneously cupping it near
the mouth with one hand, Ananthan slammed the boy on his back and pushed him
away even as he shouted, “You dirty scoundrel, get lost from here before I kill
you.”

The boy who fell down rose up immediately and clasped his dad’s legs
crying inconsolably and telling, “Papa, amma has fallen down on the kitchen
floor and not answering. Fire is burning big all around. I am terribly afraid. Come
immediately

Ananthan dropped the receiver and ran towards the kitchen shouting “Why
did you not tell me earlier, you fool,” even as he heard a loud sound from the
kitchen side.

The Saviour

Gunaseelan was waxing eloquent at the local Corporation school on
Children’s day on his concern for children and the gross violations of Child
Labour Act. There was a large crowd of children and their parents, mostly
mothers.

He thundered on “It is highly deplorable that in our country that
tender children who should be studying in primary and elementary schools are
employed in tea shops, tailoring, provision stores, eateries, match factories and
fireworks units toiling all day long in unhealthy conditions. The Child Labour
Act specifically prohibits children below some age limit from employment.

It may be said that the poor parents themselves send their children for
work to augment family’s income. Still it is illegal as it barters away the
children’s golden future for narrow temporary selfish ends. I strongly condemn
this practice and vouch to take it up for stricter enforcement of laws. I would
plead in the legislature for a special grant of monthly allowance of Rs. 1000 to
children in BPL families. The quality of mid-day meal should also be greatly improved
and books and notebooks given free.”

There was an audible appreciation with loud clapping for a long time.
Gunaseelan was happy at the good impression he had made before the parents
particularly two months ahead of the elections.

He concluded his speech with a loud statement in his stentorian voice,
“Every child found working is a stigma to this constituency and particularly
against me. I am sure you would extend your support to fulfill my pledge made before
you .”

As he alighted from the car past 11pm and entered his house, he shouted
“Meenakshi, send that boy Babu to my bed room. My legs are aching after a long
day of speeches.

As he lay on the cot in the air conditioned room with his legs stretched,
the eight-year-old kid Babu in his shorts and banyan was seen standing
massaging the man’s legs continuously. At frequent intervals the leader was
admonishing the boy, “You dirty scamp, massage properly giving good pressure.
If you do not do well, I will flog you and starve you.”

It was more than an hour and the leader was seen dozing with a soft snoring.
The room had turned cold. The hungry and sleepy boy slightly slackened a bit prompting
the leader to get up and give him a sharp cuff (குட்டு) on his head with his closed
fingers. “Rascal, are you sleeping when I dozed a bit? I will skin you alive you
scoundrel “exploded the great saviour of children.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Palani, an incurable alcoholic beat his wife Bhagyam daily in the
evenings for money. A lazy loafer, he brought no money for the house. With
three young children to feed, Bhagyam worked hard in many houses. Life was a monotonous
daily grind with nothing to enthuse and only back breaking work all day long.
It was the last week of the month with not a grain of rice let alone other
essential ingredients to cook a broth. The left overs she brought from houses
where she worked hardly helped to keep even the kids from hunger especially at
the end of month. In desperation she often
toyed with idea of suicide along with kids but would abandon such thoughts when
she saw their trusting eyes and start visualizing a better tomorrow

Palani was tottering to get up after getting fully drunk at a
cheap arrack shop when a friend by his side proffered a twenty-rupee note
saying that it was found by the former’s side.

“It is not mine, I have spent all my money” Palani mumbled but the
equally inebriated friend insisted it was his and added “You are ruining your
life by drinking. What have you done for your wife and kids so far? Surprise
them with some snacks with this.

The confused Palani took the
money and started ambling towards his home. Pricked by the taunt of his friend,
he was filled with remorse when he thought of Bhagyam and the children. As he
vowed that he would stop drinking, he saw the shop selling molagai bajji (chillies
bajias) and other namkeens. He took molagai bajjis wrapped in old newspaper and
hurried in his unsteady walk.

This particular evening, Bhagyam had made gruel from broken rice
she had borrowed and diluted liberally with tangy butter milk she had brought
from a household Hardly adequate, it only kindled more hunger. Each one had a large
glass with some quantity kept for Palani.

The chimney lamp was flickering starved of kerosene in the dimly
lit dark hut. As Palani entered, he saw the children jumping with joy amidst
peals of laughter. Bewildered he saw a smiling Bhagyam with her eyes glued on a
small TV placed on a rickety shelf covered by his lungi, a freebie from the
generous government ahead of a municipal poll. He too joined the gaiety and
danced with the kids happy with the new bounty. In the commotion, the packet of
molaga bajjis lay uncared for on the floor. The distant rainbow is more
enchanting than a small blessing on hand.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Shanmugam sat on the step of the temple tank seeking peace for
his troubled mind. He had no job and was eating for the last few days the prasad whenever given
in the temple. Despite the cool breeze from across the tank, he was restless
and sweating. The noise of vendors, the chatter of devotees and the laughter of
playful children around a carousal irked him. He was also feeling hungry but had
no money.

He was startled when he felt a soft touch on his back and turned
to see a girl of five years sobbing inconsolably. She could not tell where her
parents were or where her house was. He could sense people were looking uneasily at him talking with a well-dressed girl but he had no mind to leave the girl stranded and vulnerable.

Before considering the option of leaving her at police outpost, he searched the
pocket of the girl and luckily found a slip with address. The girl in the
meanwhile tugged his shirt and showed the balloon vendor with colourful balloons.
He searched his pockets to find no money to his dismay and then unrolled the
sleeves of his torn shirt and found a crumpled five-rupee note to his joy. The girl
started smiling in glee as she held the big pink balloon in her tiny hand.

Though the house was near, he thought it prudent, to take the child
by auto to avoid skeptical glances. The driver after initial hesitation agreed
when Shanmugam explained. The girl speedily ran into the arms of her anxious
grandmother screaming “patti” and turned to say Ta-Ta with a beaming smile to
Shanmugam who was watching her along with the driver from the gate. Evidently
the parents were still tracing the child as they were not seen.

He had forgotten for a moment the auto driver looking at the happy
reunion of the girl with her family and turned to see the driver waiting patiently. Shanmugam quietly unwrapped his only earthly possession and gave the wrist watch
to the driver. The driver looked with disbelief at the man and declining the
watch said “Get in.I have been watching you from the temple area and it is rare to see kind hearted people like you. I noticed you
did not also ask the old woman any money for the efforts you had taken. Come on, you
look hungry and let us have some tiffin in a hotel. Keep the watch with you. By
the way, can you drive an auto? Otherwise, I can teach you in a week.”

Shanmugam suddenly felt his heart light with no worries and the world a
joyful place to live in.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Murari
walked the long stretch from the desolate railway station to his village. It
was sweltering hot with not a blade of grass moving. He could see no cattle
grazing or birds flying. Perspiring heavily, he took the water bottle from his
bag only to find it empty. He threw it away and looked around in frustration.
He knew from the familiar scene he was almost near the village that he had left
five years back in anger and humiliation. The anger had not died down but still
simmering inside waiting for the revenge to soften it. He could gather the guts
to avenge only now. He sat on the bench of a tea stall on the outskirts of the
village to have tea before proceeding further

As
he entered the village, he started trudging with a deliberate limp to mask his
identity towards his old house to find the hedge between his house and the adjacent
Bola’s house had been removed and the whole space enclosed by a common boundary
wall. His house, a small tiled structure in the vast ground that was adequate
for his wife and two boys stood undemolished but the cattle shed had been expanded
with many cattle in it.

Trouble
started when Bola cast his covetous eyes on his land. He wanted it to make one
large ground along with his to start an akhada. He tempted him with a good
price but when Murari declined telling that it was a family property coming
from several generations, Bola started threatening him. He was a wicked man
with several criminal cases of intimidation, assault, cheating, rape and land
grabbing against him. He had managed to stay out of law enforcement due to his
clout with local MP as his sidekick. He became insistent that Murari part with
the property and when rebuffed he warned that his family would pay one day for
his adamancy. Murari ignored the veiled threat

Till
one day, he came to rue for not judging correctly the extent of Bola’s greed
and cruelty. He returned home one evening from the fair in the adjacent village
to find to his great horror his children lying outside the house shot dead and
wife lying dead semi naked inside the house with deep cuts by knife across her
face and several places on her body indicating much resistance before being
violated.

Shocked
he ran to Bola’s house screaming incoherently and mad in rage at the enormity
of the crime. He saw several of Bola’s henchmen in the compound. Bola came out instantly
and denied any knowledge of the gruesome killing or having heard any noise and
commiserated with Murari at the tragedy. Murari could see through the smirk on
his face his false pretensions and knew who the culprit was. He swore to
himself in the name of his honour that he would avenge one day the death of his
family.

Five
long grueling years had passed by and he was at last back at the village with
revenge still gnawing his heart. He saw someone sitting inside the porch in
Bola’s house with his face partially covered by a pink towel and the eyes with sun
glasses. Murari involuntarily felt for the country weapon on his side and moved
closer with confidence towards the gate to get a clearer view of the man.
Murari was sure that his own beard, his limp and unkempt hair would not give
him away. He had also grown thinner in these five years.

“Hey, who are you and why are you standing
there? What do you want? shouted the man from the porch. Murari could recognize
the gruff voice with no difficulty.

“I
am looking for one Murari who used to live here. He is a distant relative of
mine,” replied Murari.

“Öh,
oh. Don’t you know that he left this place year back along with family after
selling his house? He was not making much money from agriculture and went in
search of better prospects. Poor man, he was a good person,” said the man from
the porch.

“Any
idea where they have gone?” asked Murari

“No,
he did not leave any information with anyone about his new place,” said the man.

“Thank
you. I am unlucky to miss my relative. I will be on my way,” said Murari as he
walked away.

There
was silence for a while and the man from the porch asked one of his men to see
whether the visitor was visible. The man went near the gate craned his neck and
peered both sides of the road carefully as it was dusk already. He turned to
the man in porch and said the man had gone and was not to be seen.

The
man sprang up throwing away his pink towel and hailed his family to come out of
the house. The men not knowing why the master was happy joined in the laughter
much like Gabbar Singh’s men. Bola turned to his wife and said, “I knew it was
Murari. The chaiwala Munni rang me up saying that one-man resembling Murari was
walking towards our house with a limp. So I covered my face, had our men
standing outside to scare him and asked you people to remain inside. Come on,
let us celebrate our good luck.”

As
Bola, his wife and two children of his danced their way to the gate and peered outside,
Murari popped up suddenly from behind the side wall and as he put his hand on
the side pocket he said “Lucky I am, that you celebrated your escape a bit too
early. I had hidden myself inside the well outside the wall and knew you would
come out but never expected the whole family. I have been waiting for this day
for five long years. I thank God for my good fortune”

The
henchmen who started crowding towards the gate fell back as Murari avenged the
murder of his wife and children but spared the Bola’s wife and her children as he
felt he had no quarrel with them. He did not care for his life anymore and
started walking whistling a Sholay tune loudly. He felt lighter in his heart and
better as a human as he walked with a spring in his step. The men stood back
half perplexed and half afraid to follow him.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

“How is he
doing?” Pavitra heard from behind as she was busy changing the IV fluid after
observing the vital signs from the various monitors.

“One moment
doctor,” she replied as she checked whether the fluid was flowing properly. “He
is stable and all vital signs are normal, “she said

“Good” said
Dr. Mukundan as he took the file from her hand and observed the drowsy patient
for a minute. “Continue the same medicines till I review tomorrow,” he said as
he moved to the next patient with Pavitra in tow.

It is a
small but reputed cardiac care hospital headed by Dr. Mukundan who had earned
his stripes by studying and working in a renowned American university and its
hospital. He was still young in his early thirties and was considered a leading
cardiologist. Pavitra has been working as a nurse for the last five years and
only a year back was posted in the critical care ward after some intense
training. Ever since she interacted with Dr. Mukundan in the ward at least
twice a day.

Being a
conscientious, hardworking and intelligent nurse with gentle and soft spoken
nature, she had won the confidence and esteem of the doctor. She was the only
one amongst the nurses who got an ad hoc increase in pay a few months back
triggering a mischievous gossip among the nurses within her ear shot that the
doctor had a romantic interest in her.

What crap
she thought to herself, but felt inwardly happy though she felt that the
relationship with doctor was formal and professional. However, in the nights
while on bed, she could not resist thinking of him, his tall physique, handsome
face and friendly demeanour. She even started wondering whether there could be
a truth in the gossip as otherwise why she should be singled out for a raise in
salary. But, she was quick to smother such thoughts when she remembered her
family of mother and younger brother in college dependent wholly on her salary
and that marriage was out of question till her brother completed his education
and got a job. She was nearing thirty but still looked young with a very charming
face and lissome figure.

A week later
as Dr. Mukundan was leaving the ward, he asked Pavitra to follow him with a
couple of files. This was the first time he was asking her to see him in his
room. Could it be he wants to express his feelings, she wondered setting
butterflies flutter in her stomach. Her cheeks turned red as she hurried behind
him with a couple of patients’ files.

“Sit down
Pavitra. I have been wanting to talk to you in private for some time Let me
first tell you that I am highly satisfied with you. As a nurse you have an
admirable combination of knowledge of your work your functions in the ward, nursing
skills, right attitudes, and the noble values of treating your work as a service.
The feedback from patients has been good. I am very fortunate to have you in my
team and wish to take it forward to a personal level. I know you have a mother
and brother in college and how much your salary means to the family. I have
spoken about you to my mom and she would like to meet you. Can I pick you up at
5pm tomorrow? Wear a good sari,” he said
with a smile.

That night
she could hardly sleep. She did not breathe a word to her mom and waited to see
further development She started thinking that this could be a prelude to
happy events to follow.

He came at the appointed time and took her in his car to his palatial
house. As she entered, she saw an old lady with kindly eyes seated on a wheel
chair. The lady smiled at Pavitra and beckoned her by name to come near her.
She said “Just as Mukund told me, you look really beautiful and I have taken an
instant liking for you.”

Embarrassed Pavitra looked at Mukund who intervened to say” Pavitra,
you see my mother is an invalid. She needs someone to assist her and provide
her company when I am not there. I know how efficient you are and decided to
bring you here.” He paused to see her reaction.

This was a hammer blow to Pavitra crashing all her dreams. Her anger
and frustration grew inside her as she felt cheated. When she stood dazed
without replying, Mukund prodded her “Do you have any objection to being a
companion to my mom? Be assured that you will find this role much more rewarding
and comfortable than your present job.”

Pavitra did not know what to say to this unexpected development but
realized he was cunning. She wished to run away from this treacherous man. She
put her handkerchief to her mouth and turned towards the door to hide her tears.

Mukund’s mom who was watching all the time with a grin quickly intervened
to say “Stop joking, Mukund, why do you find pleasure in teasing her and
playing with her emotions? She must have grown lot of her dreams. Do not ever
shatter them even in jest.”

She drew Pavitra close to her and said “He is always playful. He wants
you to come here as my daughter-in-law and give me your good company. You can
still be associated with the hospital.Do not worry about me as I have many
servants to take care of me. Ever since he set his eyes on you in the clinic,
he has fallen flat for you. Would you please agree to marry him? I will talk to
your amma and do the needful. They would be fully taken care of. Have no worry
on that score”

When she saw Mukund watching her eagerly, she put her head shyly down
and started scratching the ground with her toe.

Monday, March 13, 2017

“I have heard you patiently but none of
the reasons given by you can explain the steep fall in your regional sales.
This is the last quarter and your sales hitherto is a measly 59% of the target.
Our director made a caustic mention about this. Your team members are good. I
suspect there is a failure of leadership. What do you plan to do? This may be
the last chance,” said Krishan Srivastava, shortly addressed KS, General
manager (Marketing) to the Northern regional manager Kuldeep Singh.

“I am sorry, Sir. The market is bad with
supply more than demand. Our competitors are plying the customers with heavy
discounts and long credit even when their prices are lower than ours. We are
trying our best focusing on our quality and brand. I am sure things would improve
this quarter, Sir,”

“Kuldeep, I do not agree as other
regions are doing very well. The real reason is elsewhere. You have been
working with me since your management trainee days. As a father figure I have
been wanting to talk to you on some personal matter but was restraining myself.
I have decided to speak out today in your interest. Can I proceed?” asked KS

Kuldeep kept quiet avoiding KS’s eyes.

“Your silence is understandable. I am
getting to hear from several sources that you are having illegal relationship
with a woman employee in your division and spend lot of time talking, messaging
and going out with her. You have a wife and two children. We have not taken action
as there is no complaint. Since this has affected your official work, I am
compelled to advise you to discontinue this liaison to avoid an immediate
transfer,” warned KS

Embarrassed by the revelation, overcome
by fear that his family would come to know and shaken by imminent transfer,
Kuldeep Singh short of falling at KS feet pleaded forgiveness with the promise
that he will stop forthwith his association with Pinky.

“This won’t do. You cannot resist the
temptation and will start meeting her outside office. But I am clear that a
transfer to another region alone would bring sense to you and justice to your wife,
I am anyway getting her transferred to another office in the same city” KS said
in stern tone.

“I swear in the name of my wife and
children that I would have nothing to do with her,” and as an earnest, he
pulled out from his pocket and placed on the table a box containing bottle of
perfume. ” I intended to present this gift for her birthday this evening at a
restaurant and now I have no more need for it. Kindly excuse me and I am a
reformed man,” he said and wiped the tears from his eyes.

“Okay., do not worry. Take this bottle away and give
it to your wife,” said KS

He shuddered and said “This will only rise
her suspicion for I have never given her perfume as she is allergic to pungent
smell,” and left the office hurriedly.

It was already 5.45pm and KS remembered that
his wife Lalitha and children would be waiting at a friend’s house for a
birthday party. In a hurry he slipped in the perfume packet in the side pocket
of his coat thinking of his wife.

There were a lot of guests, some common
friends and some known faces with many children playing around in the large
hall that was brightly lit. Lalitha’s friend and her husband welcomed him
warmly. KS removed the coat and hung it in a coat stand and reclined
comfortably in the sofa by Lalitha’s side. The party commenced with cake
cutting and birthday songs. The hostess soon came around the guests with hors
d’œuvres and drinks. There was gaiety and laughter all around.

Suddenly a shrill tone of a mobile was
heard. Everybody stopped talking and looked at the direction of sound. KS knew
it was from his instrument in his coat pocket. As he was trying to get up, KS’s
young son rushed towards the stand. He put his hand in the coat pocket and took
out the box containing the perfume and after reading the name of the perfume on
the box said loudly “Mummy, Papa has bought a scent for you”.

When Lalitha asked “What are you
blabbering?” the boy read out loudly “With deepest love to my Pinky darling, ever yours, KS” that was written
on the box.The mobile had stopped ringing
meanwhile. Lalitha rushed to the boy and snatched the box that had the
inscription Gucci Flora.

KS sat dazed and frozen on the sofa. One
jolly friend let out a loud guffaw and exclaimed “What a gaffe? Behind the
innocent facade, you seem to be enjoying life with sidekicks.”

“It is not mine and belonged to one
Kuldeep Singh, a regional manager in my office,” KS was explaining even as his
voice was drowned with peals of laughter from men and looks of derision from
women.

KS with a bewildered face looked at Lalitha.
He knew explaining there would only invite contempt. There was utter disbelief
and deep hurt in her face. Covering it with her hands unable to bear the shame,
she ran out of the hall. Silence fell in the hall. The hostess followed by KS
ran behind her. She wrenched herself away from KS when he tried to put his arm
around her. They left the party with Lalitha sobbing and the children confused.The party was a big flop by one
indiscretion of KS putting someone else’s gift in his pocket without checking and
that too of one with the same initials

The moral is if you have to buy a gift
for your wife, buy it yourself; never carry someone else’s gift.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Sunita madam was taking her class. She saw Sumitra from the corner of
her eyes sitting morose in one of the rear benches and frequently wiping her
eyes. She knew the girl well and was also aware that the young thing had lost
her mother and her father was an alcoholic. He had married again but the
step-mother was not kindly disposed to the poor girl. The thought sat heavy on
her mind. She went through the lessons hurriedly and was relieved when the bell
rang announcing lunch time. She called the young girl of thirteen near her.

“Sumitra, I have been observing you during the class and you were
crying. Stop it and cheer up. Tomorrow is the annual day when prizes would be
distributed by the chief guest. You have been an outstanding student topping
the school in every examination and extracurricular activities. You are being
given a special medal and there will be a special mention by the Principal
about you. You must be happy. Tell me what is troubling you?”

“M’am, you know all the prize winning students have been asked to bring
their parents for tomorrow’s function. They are required to be on the dais
along with the student while receiving the prize. You know the situation in my
house. Dad will not be in a fit condition in the evenings to come to school. My
mom has also refused to come. There is a fight daily in the house and yesterday
it was the worst.”

Sumitra remembered how she sat crouched in fear in a corner listening
to the noise from the hall. It was his drunken dad mouthing profanities and her
step- mother sobbing. There were the noises of glasses, the bottle-opener
dropping down followed by loud swears, beatings and finally slamming of the
door. She never went down when her dad and mom were together. He had begun
drinking ever since Sumitra’s mom died, three years back. He was a loving dad
but never demonstrated his affection even when her mom was alive. It was only
her mom who was her best friend in whom she could confide anything and
everything. Her step-mother Savitri was also very affectionate to her
initially. It was all the mistake of her dad which turned the affection to
dislike. He would taunt her needlessly telling her he married her not for her
beauty but only to take care of the motherless girl and in the process, he unknowingly
drove a wedge between them.

The school was in all festoons and the music blared through
loudspeakers. The lawn was filled with students, parents and teachers. In a
corner, snacks and tea were being served. Groups of people were seen standing
along with their children talking animatedly, some with teachers and others
amongst themselves. Sunita madam was looking for Sumitra and smiled to herself
when she saw her in the corner where tea was served helping the guests with
spoons, sugar and paper-napkins.

An announcement was made requesting the guests to sit down in their
seats and the prize-winning students to assemble by the side of the dais with
their parents. Sunita went near Sumitra who was standing at the rear with a
glum face, and said “Look here, it is not your fault that your dad and mom could
not be here. Cheer up. I am there for you. Wipe the tears off your face, my
darling girl.” She moved away as the proceedings began with a prayer song.

After the welcome, the prize distribution started. As the name of each
student was announced by the Vice-Principal Sunita madam, the student along
with parents came up the dais to receive the prize from the hands of the chief
guest. There was an endless stream of prize-winners coming up the rostrum with
beaming smile, with their parents in tow.

Finally, Sumitra’s name was read out with the special mention that she
was declared the best-student among all the classes not only in academic
performance, but also in all extracurricular activities. When the chief guest
stood up with a medal, he saw the girl coming alone towards him.

He remarked “Where are your parents? Don’t they know this is a
red-letter day for their child?” There was a murmur amongst the audience and
some muffled jeering remarks. Sunita madam walked towards the Sumitra and stood
behind her. She loudly announced that her parents were not in a position to
attend. Turning to the chief guest she said “You can deem her as my adopted
daughter.”

When the chief guest saw her
with a puzzled look, the Principal was seen walking towards them telling “Sir,
you may consider me as her god-father. She has made us all proud by her
achievements and good behaviour. I may add she is a role-model for all the
other students.”

Sunita madam was seen wiping her tears even as she clasped Sumitra
tightly. The chief-guest pinning the gold medal on her said loudly “Pardon me Sumitra,
I didn’t know the circumstances of your parents not being here. I am so happy
to hear the praise heaped on you by your teacher and the Principal. I pray to
the Almighty for your success and happiness in life. Do remember that you are
doubly fortunate in getting such a teacher and Principal.”

The entire crowd was surprised when they saw Sumitra falling full
length at the feet of Sunita madam and the Principal. The audience rose as one
man and gave a standing ovation amidst joyful cries of “Sumitra, Sumitra” Let us raise a toast on this Woman's day to teachers like Sunita madam who are hard to come by and who serve with such compassion and
empathy, helping the hapless children realize their self-worth and esteem.